For example, just found a couple books, Journey to the Center of the Earth being one, and when examined, this line says if I had a quiet place to study it I may gain some skills or something. Resting doesn't seem to do it. Should I hold on to books like this? How do I get the benefit from them?

Obviously lots more that's different in this variant, and I'm not looking to get spoiled about everything, but some guidance about Books at least would be appreciated.